श्री भगवानुवाचअभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिः ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः ।
दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ॥
दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
श्रीभगवान् बोले भयका सर्वथा अभाव अन्तःकरणकी शुद्धि ज्ञानके लिये योगमें दृढ़ स्थिति सात्त्विक दान इन्द्रियोंका दमन यज्ञ स्वाध्याय कर्तव्यपालनके लिये कष्ट सहना शरीरमनवाणीकी सरलता ॥
English
Fearlessness, purity of mind, steadfastness in the yoga of knowledge, generosity, self-control, sacrifice, study of the sacred texts, austerity, and straightforwardness.
What this verse means
A divine life begins with fearlessness, inner purity, self-control, generosity, sacrifice, study, disciplined effort, and honesty.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna begins listing the qualities that belong to a life shaped by the divine. Arjuna needs more than courage to fight; he needs a character strong enough to act rightly under pressure.
Why this verse still matters
You are about to send the message, walk into the meeting, or tell the truth that may change everything. Before the outcome, the verse asks for steadiness, honesty, and self-mastery.
The takeaway
A strong character is built, not wished into existence.
Word-by-word translation
अभयम् (fearlessness) / सत्त्वसंशुद्धिः (purity of being) / ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः (steadfastness in the yoga of knowledge) / दानम् (giving) / दमः (self-control) / च (and) / यज्ञः (sacrifice) / च (and) / स्वाध्यायः (study of sacred texts) / तपः (austerity) / आर्जवम् (straightforwardness)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga — The Divine and Demoniac Natures, which contains 24 verses.
Explore related themes: tapas (22 verses)